James Paul Ison, Sr.

James Paul Ison, Sr. age 82 of West Liberty passed away peacefully at home with his devoted wife Barbara by this side. Paul and Barbara had just celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. He was married to Barbara Stamper, the love of his life, on June 6, 1961.

  Paul was born on October 22, 1940 at Moon, KY to the late Issac and Leota Adkins Ison. He was preceded in death by his son James Paul Ison, Jr.; his five siblings: Glenn Ison, Major Ison, Mary Ellen Osbourne, Bradford Ison,  and Issac Ison, Jr. and several nieces and nephews.  

Paul is survived by his wife Barbara Ison, son John Leonard Ison (wife Jenni Ison) and grandsons Brennan Layne Ison and Brody Slade Ison all of West Liberty, KY. Daughter- in- Law Linda Ison of Tampa, FL, and Brother- in- Law Dr. William J Stamper of Rockledge FL, Sister-in-law Anna Lou Ison of Lexington, KY, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Paul graduated from Morgan County High School in 1958 and from Morehead State University in 1964 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He served in the US Army; first as a member of the US Army drill team HHC 4th Battalion 3rd Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard”. The Old Guard is the oldest active duty infantry unit in the US Army serving continuously since 1784. The Old Guard is the army’s official ceremonial unit which escorts US Presidents and provides security for Washington D.C. Later, he served as an noncommissioned officer with the US Army Reserves 100th Division in Fort Chafee, AR.

  After college and the army Paul began his business career as a commercial insurance underwriter and then later a commercial insurance field underwriter for two different large national insurance companies while living in Lexington, KY. In 1975 he and his family returned to West Liberty, KY and established Ison Insurance Agency, Inc. The business grew to serve the insurance needs of not only Morgan County but clients though out Eastern Kentucky.

  Paul was an active member of the West Liberty United Methodist Church. He also participated in many organizations including serving on the board of directors of the Independent Insurance Agents of Kentucky, past president of the Pleasant Valley Country Club and Morgan County Lions Club, and Scout Master of Boy Scouts Troop 141. He was a member of the F&AM Highlands Lodge #311 (over 50 years a Mason), York Rite, and the El Hasa Shrine.  

Paul enjoyed traveling with Barbara all across America and Europe, spending time together in Florida, and entertaining their many friends and relatives. Paul was also a pretty fair golfer in his day and alway enjoyed his many rounds of golf with his friends.

  Paul loved life and he loved people. He was always kind and had a smile for everyone. He was a true southern gentleman. He enjoyed working with all his clients, listening to their stories, and trying to help them and solving their problems when he could. Paul was fun loving, quick-witted, and loved a good story. To know Paul was to love him.  

  Paul’s funeral and visitation will be held on Saturday June 17 at the West Liberty United Methodist Church. His visitation will begin at 11 AM, his funeral service will begin at 2 PM, Pastor Jamie Brunk officiating and his burial service will be held immediately following at the Salyer Cemetery.  

Herald & Stewart & Halsey Funeral Home, West Liberty, KY

  In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made in Paul’s memory to the following:  

James Paul Ison Jr. Memorial Scholarship c/o Morehead State University Foundation PO Box 628 Morehead, KY 40351

  Or   West Liberty United Methodist Church PO Box 295 West Liberty, KY 41472    

Pallbearers: John Ison, Brennan Ison, Brody Ison, Charles Ison, Robert Sears, Todd Ferguson 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Paul Ison, Sr., please visit our floral store.